How to Copy a Whiteboard With Your Digital Camera or Camera Phone

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Ever wanted the notes on a whiteboard, but didn't have the time to copy them by hand? You can use your camera to capture a digital copy. But often, the images are hard to capture well or simply don’t turn out legibly. Here are two ways to clean up photos of whiteboards.

The easiest way to get a good copy is to get a good photo to begin with. The whiteboard will throw off your camera's light meter, so you will have to "add" exposure. Access your camera's exposure compensation feature and add 1 or two "stops", or +1 or +2 EV. Next, try to eliminate distortion. A wide angle will distort the board, so use a medium to long setting, assuming you have a zoom lens. This may or may not be possible depending on the size of the room. The most important thing is to position the camera exactly parallel to the board to avoid "keystoning". Think of a misaligned projector - that's key stoning.

You will normally want to take the picture with the flash turned off, in order to avoid the glare of the flash. If you have trouble holding the camera steady enough for a good picture, try setting the camera on a steady surface and use the camera's self-timer to actuate the shutter.

If possible, try to take the picture without a flash. If you do, you'll get a big white spot where the flash reflected back at you. If you have to take it with a flash, then take the picture at an angle. It will "keystone", but at least you'll have the information.

Another method of reducing flash glare is to use a "bounce" flash (if your camera supports it), or make your own. A "Bounce" flash will flash the light at the ceiling or wall or other white surface, resulting in a more diffuse light hitting the actual whiteboard, and more even lighting. Essentially, anything you can place in front of the flash itself at a 45-degree angle that will reflect light (a small mirror or very well flattened metallic foil, a segment of an index card, etc) up or to the side (depending on the angle you place it at).

Finally, if the light conditions are low, it is vital that you hold the camera steady, because it will hold the shutter open for longer in an attempt to collect enough light to "see" the whiteboard. Brace your wrist, or rest the base of the camera itself, on a solid surface like a table or desk, and also have your body stable, not leaning over in some contortionist position.

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wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 23 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has also been viewed 34,458 times.